Network Layer

1. OSI 7-Layer Model

Model Characteristics

  • Network standard specification established by ISO

  • Enables common network usage regardless of computer manufacturer

  • Each layer is independent, so it's not affected by other layers during data transmission process

Characteristics of Each Layer

Layer 1 (Physical Layer)

  • Controls physical connections between systems and converts electrical signals

  • e.g. Convert signals to digital or analog

  • Determines data transmission between network devices and physical addresses

  • e.g. Bridge/switch, MAC address

Layer 3 (Network Layer)

  • Responsible for data routing between actual networks and selects optimal paths

  • e.g. IP packet transmission

Layer 4 (Transport Layer)

  • Provides services to enable reliable data exchange between computers

  • e.g. TCP/UDP connections

Layer 5 (Session Layer)

  • Functions such as setting and releasing session connections, transmitting session messages

  • In other words, determines communication methods between computers

Layer 6 (Presentation Layer)

  • Encodes or decodes data passed to or received from application layer

  • e.g. Data conversion such as character codes, compression, encryption

Layer 7 (Application Layer)

  • Layer that ultimately provides interface with users

  • Application programs executed by users

  • e.g. File transfer, website viewing, etc.

Data Transmission Side

  • Data transmission side passes data from upper layers to lower layers

  • Each layer adds necessary information to data, and this information is called 'header' or 'trailer'

  • Adding headers is called 'encapsulation'

Data Receiving Side

  • Receives data passed through each layer from lower layers to upper layers

  • Passing data to upper layers and removing headers at each layer is called 'de-encapsulation'

  • After de-encapsulation, when reaching the final application layer, only the original data intended to be transmitted remains

2. TCP/IP 4-Layer Model

Model Characteristics

  • Model simplified and made practical for real-world use based on OSI model

Characteristics of Each Layer

Layer 1 (Network Interface Layer)

  • Corresponds to physical layer and data link layer of OSI layers

  • Uses MAC as physical address

  • LAN, packet network, etc.

Layer 2 (Internet Layer)

  • Corresponds to network layer of OSI layers

  • Responsible for transmitting IP packets between communication nodes and routing

  • e.g. IP, ARP, RARP

Layer 3 (Transport Layer)

  • Corresponds to transport layer of OSI layers

  • Controls connections between communication nodes and is responsible for reliable data transmission

  • e.g. TCP, UDP

Layer 4 (Application Layer)

  • Corresponds to session, presentation, and application layers of OSI layers

  • Used when implementing applications based on TCP/UDP

  • e.g. FTP, HTTP, SSH

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